Women still account for only a single digit percentage of conductors holding titles with orchestras worldwide and represented by international management companies. Even today, young women in the music departments of our leading universities experience bias, prejudice and discouragement when they aspire to conduct. How long will it be before orchestras and audiences become truly gender blind towards conductors? What is the case for and against affirmative action in order to achieve that “new normal”? This session is an opportunity to talk about podium equality and its importance for the future of classical music; and how those involved - artists, managers, labels, PRs, marketeers, educators, listeners, supporters - can play their part in ensuring equality is at the heart of what we do.